Where Culture Comes Alive

West Bengal

From mist-covered hills in the north to the shifting waters of the Sundarbans delta — a vibrant living heritage of Baul music, Purulia Chhau, and 39 GI-registered crafts.

10Community Museums
39GI Registered Products
3World Heritage Sites
3ICH Inscribed by UNESCO
West Bengal artisans Cultural heritage
About the Destination

West Bengal

Experience Living Heritage of Rural India

West Bengal unfolds as one of India's most culturally layered destinations. The districts of Birbhum, Nadia, and Purba Bardhaman echo with the soulful, philosophical melodies of Baul music — inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

GI-certified Kantha embroidery at Nanoor and Ausgram, Dhokra metalwork at Bikna and Dariyapur, Chhau masks at Charida, wooden masks at Kushmandi, and Patachitra scrolls across multiple districts each represent centuries of unbroken craft lineage.

The dynamic masked movements of Purulia Chhau — also UNESCO-inscribed — bring myth and legend to life, while Ghugumari serves as a hub for Sitalpati weaving, yet another UNESCO-recognised tradition.

Kantha Embroidery Dhokra Metal Craft Baul Music Purulia Chhau Patachitra Scroll Chhau Mask Sitalpati Weaving Wooden Mask
Explore the Districts

Interactive District Map

Purulia Paschim Medinipur Bankura Jhargram Purba Bardhaman Jalpaiguri Alipurduar Cooch Behar Uttar Dinajpur Dakshin Dinajpur Malda Birbhum Purba Medinipur North 24 Parganas Nadia Murshidabad Hooghly Howrah Kolkata South 24 Parganas Darjeeling Kalimpong Paschim Bardhaman

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Upcoming Events

Join us in celebrating India's rich cultural heritage through festivals, tours, and special experiences

Folk Holi
24 JUL 2026
Festival

Folk Holi

Experience the magic of spring at Folk Holi 2026, a unique three-day celebration held in the heart of nature at the historic Nimdih Gandhi Ashram. Organised in collaboration with Lokasevayatan, this immersive event invites you to celebrate the festival of colors through the authentic lens of rural traditions and folk culture. The festivities begin on March 2nd with a vibrant Mela inauguration at 5:00 PM, followed by an evening of soulful folk programming that runs until 9:00 PM. The celebration continues on March 3rd with a traditional Dol celebration in the morning and another spirited folk performance in the evening. On the final day, March 4th, guests can participate in hands-on workshops focused on the powerful movements of Chau dance and the sustainable practices of organic farming before departing after lunch. This nature-centric retreat offers a peaceful escape from the urban rush, providing a rare opportunity for cultural learning and community. To secure your spot, you can contact the organizers directly at 8420106396 or 9661464540.

📍 Nimdih, Gandhi Ashram
3 Days
Mayurbhanj Chhau festival
31 JUL 2026
Festival

Mayurbhanj Chhau festival

Mayurbhanj Chhau Festival 2026 will be held from 13 to 15 March 2026, between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM, at Kandsore, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The festival will feature workshops, demonstrations, and performances showcasing the distinct traditions of Mayurbhanj Chhau, Seraikela Chhau, Kharsawan Chhau, and Manbhum Chhau. Celebrating this UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, the event brings together renowned artists and musicians for an immersive exploration of Chhau’s powerful movement vocabulary, martial aesthetics, and vibrant storytelling.

📍 Kandsore, Mayurbhanj, Odisha
3 days
Koraput Folk Festival
21 AUG 2026
Festival

Koraput Folk Festival

Experience the vibrant living traditions of Koraput at the Koraput Folk Festival 2026. The three-day festival will showcase the region’s rich tribal heritage through folk dance and music performances, a handcrafted exhibition, discussion forums, and hands-on workshops. Each day will feature live cultural performances alongside curated discussions on tribal lifestyle, rituals, and responsible cultural tourism. A special handicraft workshop will be held daily from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, offering visitors an opportunity to engage directly with local artisans.

📍 Council of Analytical Tribal Studies (COATS), D.N.K. Road, Sabara Srikhetra, Koraput, Odisha
3 Days
Experience Palghar 2026 – Colours of Culture, Imprints of Tradition
31 OCT 2026
Cultural

Experience Palghar 2026 – Colours of Culture, Imprints of Tradition

Experience Palghar 2026 – Colours of Culture, Imprints of Tradition will be held from 20–22 February 2026, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, across Ganjad (Somnath Kalimpada Ground), Bapugaon (Warli Chitrakala Kendra, behind Ashramshala School Ground), and Gholwad (Gholwad Marathi School Ground) in Palghar district, Maharashtra. Presented by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the event celebrates the region’s rich tribal heritage, showcasing traditional art, crafts, music, dance, and living cultural practices in an immersive, community-rooted experience.

📍 Palghar District, Maharashtra
3 Days
Watch the Story

Experience the Soul of
West Bengal

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